Motorcycle specifications MV-Agusta1000 Brutale RR Assen 2024 Celebrations at the cathedral

Rather like Bugatti, Mv-Agusta has made special editions one of its core businesses. And that's one of the advantages of being a prestige brand: there's nothing like a limited edition to give your image a boost and get people excited.

hence this Brutale 1000 RR Assen edition. The Varese-based company seems to have developed a passion for composing its models around prestigious circuits. In 2022, it was the Nürburgring version. This time, it's in honor of "the cathedral" that the fiery Italian hyperfighter is making its coat of arms quiver.

mV-Agusta scored 35 victories there. That was in the brand's heyday, when it won everything. That's why a handsome 35 appears prominently on the tank. It's a welcome change from the eternal 37 worn by most MVs in special series (its world championship record).

For this umpteenth version, the Italian factory has chosen a dress with patinated clarity and colorful scents. The alternation of azure blue and metallic grey expresses good taste, a clear sense of preciousness and a sporty delicacy with fine gold stripes on the tank and side scoops. At the bottom, a representation of the circuit and its nickname - Cathedral of speed - identifies the partnership MV-Agusta has signed with the iconic venue.
For once, the serial number is not on the fork crown, but on the plate where the tank meets the seat, here in a superb blue alcantara with yellow stitching.

This Brutale is natively an RR. The model with semi-active Öhlins suspension. With this kind of suspension, the roadster knows it can offer handling worthy of its name. Then, the road can go VERY, VERY fast with the engine embedded in the steel trellis/aluminum frame. Its 4-cylinder produces 208 hp at the back, accompanied by 11.9 mkg of torque. Sickening power, ready to imitate an aircraft carrier catapult.

as with all MVs, the electronics are strong on board. The big Brutale boasts 4 riding modes, traction control, inertial measurement unit, 4th-generation shifter, wheeling control, cornering ABS, 5.5-inch TFT color instrument panel with GPS module, cruise control, Mobisat geolocation system and Launch Control.
Let's not let this overshadow essential parts such as the beautiful and highly efficient Brembo Stylema clamps controlled by a PS13 master cylinder, this magnificent NIX 30 fork, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 rubber (circuit tires adapted to the road); or refined parts such as the swingarm pivot adjustment, the adjustable footrest plates, the monobracket or the stunning stern of this sulphurous machine.

the Brutale Nurburgring was fitted with colored BST carbon wheels. For the Assen version, MV-Agusta opted for Rotobox rims, still in carbon but with very thin, all-blue spokes. Other parts are also made from this top-of-the-range material: the airbox cover, the headlight "cap", the sump protectors, the exhaust and plenum heat shields, the side and fuel tank panels, and a few other elements.

The Brutale Assen is sold with a "Special Parts Kit". A large box in which the 300 future owners will find everything they need to make their machine sportier: CNC-machined levers and fuel filler cap, carbon seat cover and Arrow Titanium exhausts with the appropriate racing chip. The result is 212 horsepower at 13,600 rpm and a weight loss of 3 kilos.

the Assen circuit has been hosting the Dutch Grand Prix since 1949. Suffice to say, it has seen some champions. The first in 500 was Nello Pagani, on a Gilera, and the most recent was Francesco Bagnaia on a Ducati. Among the most memorable riders was Mike Hailwood, winner of the 250, 350 and 500 classes on the same day in 1967. Jim Redman did the same in 1964 in the 125, 250 and 350 classes. The majority of races were won by English, Italian and Spanish riders, but a few other nations managed to raise their flag: Brazil once with Alex Barros, Austria with Gerd Kafka, Canada with Michael Duff, Hungary with Gábor Talmácsi, Finland with Mika Kallio. France has only won three times: Jean-François Baldé in 1982 (350 cm3), Johann Zarco in 2015 (Moto2) and Fabio Quartararo in 2021 (MotoGP). Giacomo Agostini remains the record holder, with 14 Assen GPs to his name.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos